Sources of Supply
Allotments
Allotments provide a decentralised and community-based source of food that can strengthen local resilience during disruptions to supermarket supply. They also offer opportunities for community engagement, skill-building, and sustainable food production. However, access to allotments is often limited, so understanding how to obtain one is important.
How to get an allotment:
Apply through your local council – most councils manage allotment sites and waiting lists
Search your council website for “allotments” or “community growing spaces”
If demand is high, you may be placed on a waiting list (this can range from months to several years depending on the area)
You must usually be a local resident and pay a small annual fee
Some areas also offer community-run allotments or shared growing spaces as alternatives, so be sure to check for your area.
Under the National Allotment Society guidance, local authorities have a duty to provide allotments where there is demand, meaning you can formally request provision if none are available in your area.
What residents (allotment holders) can do:
Grow a variety of crops, including drought-tolerant and flood-resilient species
Use water-saving techniques such as mulching and rainwater collection
Improve drainage through raised beds to reduce flood risk
Harvest, store, and preserve produce to reduce waste and extend supply
What councils and local authorities can do:
Maintain and expand allotment provision in line with demand
Protect allotment land within planning policy
Provide infrastructure such as water access, composting facilities, and drainage
Support community allotment schemes to widen access
Join the National Allotment Society, and range of benefits including free liability insurance, initial legal support, expert advice and much more.
Food Banks
Trussell Trust
The Trussell Trust is an organisation that stands as an anti-poverty charity and community of food banks.
Together they are:
1,400 food bank locations
36,000 volunteers
100,000s of community groups and schools, and millions of people around the UK
FareShare
FareShare is a UK charity dedicated to the belief that no good food should go to waste. They redistribute surplus food to a network of 8,000 local charities that transform these supplies into nutritious meals. In 2023-24, the organisation reached nearly 1 million people and prevented significant carbon dioxide emissions by diverting 56,000 tonnes of food from waste.
FareShare also collaborates with partners like Felix, Marcus Rashford, and the Coronation Food Project to fight hunger across the country.
Community fridges
Community Fridge Network
The Community Fridge Network, run by Hubbub, helps reduce food waste by redistributing surplus food through publicly accessible fridges in places like schools, community centres, and shops. Local organisations collect excess food from supermarkets, businesses, and households and make it freely available to anyone in the community. The initiative aims to prevent food waste while bringing people together and encouraging more sustainable food practices.
Supermarkets
Gardens
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